GlobalPort reserve Jaypee Belencon says a hard childhood has shaped him to be the man he is today - a resolute fighter who will not let anything get in his way as he chases his dream. Snow Badua

HE has shuffled in and out of the active list for much of his pro career, but that has in no way dampened Jaypee Belencion's PBA dream. That, in fact, has only strengthened his resolve to be the best player he can be.

For the hardworking GlobalPort back-up forward, simply being in the PBA means he has one foot in the door in his bid to land a permanent post in a pro ballclub some day.

On Friday night, he took another step closer to that dream.

Just days after coming off a two-game stint in the team's reserve list, the GlobalPort forward scored 21 points to go with three rebounds and one steal in a 98-87 loss to the Petron Blaze Boosters.

And though he has only played a total of 26 games in his first two years in the league after being picked with the 17th selection overall by Talk 'N Text in the 2012 rookie draft, Belencion is ready to provide quality minutes each time his number is called by GlobalPort coach Ritchie Ticzon.

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Still, it hasn't been easy.

Belencion recalled how he twice lost a chance to emerge as Best Player of the Game, one of the immediate targets in his career, because of cruel twists.

“I liked what I saw in him. Actually, I always admire how Jaypee would give us quality minutes," said GlobalPort head of basketball operations Erick Arejola. "I just hope he remains resilient. He has potential.”